Oklahoma Secretary of State Benjamin Lepak was arrested on suspicion of public intoxication outside a McDonald's restaurant in Edmond, Oklahoma, on Friday. Police bodycam footage captured Lepak slurring his words and telling officers, "I want to eat my McDonald's" shortly before his apprehension.
Officers responded to a 911 call from a person who reported a man appearing drunk outside the fast-food establishment. Upon arrival, police found Lepak holding a takeout bag. An officer informed him that people were concerned about his level of intoxication.
Lepak, 42, initially denied having consumed alcohol but exhibited slurred speech. He claimed to have only driven a short distance and initially stated he had not driven to the restaurant, a statement he later retracted. Lepak mentioned he had been to church before being questioned by officers.
When asked how much he had been drinking, Lepak replied, "I haven’t," before adding, "I don’t want to.. I want to eat my McDonald’s." He then spoke about his children starting a new school. An officer noted the smell of alcohol on Lepak's breath and urged him to stop lying.
Lepak eventually admitted to having "one beer" and stated he stopped for McDonald's, though he also claimed to have had "less than that." He was repeatedly instructed to place his food bag on the ground, which he eventually did before being taken into custody.
An officer informed Lepak he was under arrest for public intoxication, adding, "You’re lucky it’s not for a DUI [driving under the influence]. You understand?" Lepak responded, "No I don’t."
During the arrest, officers discovered Lepak had a prior DUI offense in May 2021, for which he pleaded guilty to charges of actual physical control of a vehicle while intoxicated and transporting an open container of beer. He received a sentence of community service and probation.
A spokesperson for Lepak stated, "Mr. Lepak was waiting outside McDonald’s for dinner. He was not given a breathalyzer test. Mr. Lepak will address the ticket appropriately through the legal process." Sources indicate Lepak does not plan to resign from his position as Secretary of State.
Lepak was appointed Acting Secretary of State by Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt on October 2, 2025, succeeding Josh Cockroft. He was retroactively appointed Secretary of State in January 2026 and formally assumed the role after confirmation by the State Senate on April 28. His term is scheduled to end on January 11, 2027.